Transformations

     We all go through transformations from
time to time. For example, our family, young
and old, morphs from nice, loving, and gentle
human beings to ghouls, witches, zombies and
sillies at Halloween. I think it may be a genetic
thing. We have a blast!          

     Unfortunately, all transitions are not as fun as our Halloween capers.  I've been doing some research about war time veterans for a novel I'm working on. Delving into this information has been an eye-opener for me. It seems surviving combat and the war zone is not the end of the experience for many veterans.  When they get home, the adjustments can be a literal nightmare for them and their families due to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

     In the past, I've picked up tidbits of information about PTSD through the media but my awareness has been magnified. According to medical experts, it is not unusual for people who have been traumatized to have stress-related reactions like fear, sadness, guilt, anger, and problems sleeping after the event. These issues should fade gradually but when they do not go away or re-appear months or years later, and disrupt a person's ability to lead a normal life, they become a problem.

     If he or she keeps reliving the traumatic event through nightmares or flashbacks, PTSD can often be the culprit.  They may frequently feel jittery due to a sense of imminent danger which can lead to angry outbursts, or avoidance of situations or people that remind them of unpleasant episodes. A person suffering from PTSD may find it hard to express thoughts and feelings even to the people closest to them. The sad part is many veterans begin to think they are going nuts and lose the drive to go on.  According to a recent USA Today article, 22 veterans commit suicide daily.

     The good news is several treatments are available to those suffering from PTSD to help them restore their lives.  But they must take the first step, admit they have a problem, and talk to their doctor or go to the nearest mental health center, or Veteran's Administration facility.

     My research about veterans and PTSD only touched the surface and leads to many questions.  I wonder---have war time veterans always suffered from PTSD or is it a malady that surfaced after the Viet Nam, Iraq and Afghanistan confrontations?  If so, why? 

     I invite you to send your comments and share your experiences.